Source: CCTV.com

01-03-2008 13:33

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

You may never have heard of Innebandy, or Floorball, but it's one of the fastest growing sports in the world - think Ice Hockey without the ice and skates. Although mainly played in Scandinavia and Switzerland, the sport is starting to take hold in many other countries.

Floorball aims for Olympic recognition.

Floorball requires fast, resilient and extensive team work, and in many people's eyes, it's a carbon copy of ice hockey but on the floor. It's a fast, dynamic game requiring a mixture of power, precision and endurance. Now floorball is becoming increasingly popular. Originating in Sweden, the sport now boasts 42 members across the globe.

It's governing body, the International Floorball Federation, was founded in 1986 and now has over 3,700 clubs and 249 thousand registered players. With its growing popularity, the IFF is now working hard to gain recognition by the IOC and to introduce the game into the Olympics.

with the IOC more likely to reduce rather than increase the number of sports at the summer Olympics

But, with the IOC more likely to reduce rather than increase the number of sports at the summer Olympics, Floorball faces an uphill struggle even if member nation numbers reach the required figures.

 

Editor:Yang Jie